Binge Eating Disorder: Clinical Implications and Considerations

When available, the Online Course format is included with the hard copy, eBook, or audio book formats!

Expiration Date: December 31, 2017

Many people experience episodes during which they consume extremely large amounts of food over a short period of time while simultaneously feeling an inability to stop or control their eating. These experiences are referred to as binge eating episodes or binge episodes. Although binge episodes can be a symptom of multiple psychological disorders, frequent episodes of binge eating that are not a result of these other disorders are now classified under the separate diagnosis of binge eating disorder (BED) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA). BED is linked to multiple health problems for the individual, including poor physical health, impaired psychological and social functioning, and strained relationships with family and friends.

Explain the recent classification of binge eating disorder (BED) as a new disorder.

Differentiate BED from other medical and psychological disorders, including related eating disorders based on diagnostic criteria and assessment protocols.

Describe the factors that contribute to the development of BED, the proposed functions of bingeing behavior, and the health consequences of the disorder.

Identify different treatment approaches for BED and the ideal setting for the implementation of a specific intervention.

Explain the challenges in and potential solutions for the treatment of BED.

Edward A. Selby, PhD, is an assistant professor in the clinical psychology program at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. Dr. Selby’s extensive research and clinical experience has sought to improve our understanding and treatment of eating disorders, including binge eating disorder. He has written more than 45 peer-reviewed scientific articles and book chapters, many of which examine binge eating. Much of his work is aimed at understanding the emotional experiences that precede the onset of a binge episode, as well as the negative emotional and social consequences that result from such behavior. Dr. Selby’s research has been funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, and the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. Dr. Selby has been extensively trained in major treatments for binge eating behavior, including cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions. Dr. Selby’s recent work has expanded to include developing new treatments for emotional and behavioral problems, including binge eating, using daily digital assessment via smartphones.

Karen R. Koenig, LCSW, MEd, has been treating clients with dysregulated eating for 30 years. She is the author of six books on eating and weight, including several foreign language editions. Her articles have appeared in Social Work Focus, Social Work Today, and Eating Disorders Today. A founding member of the Greater Boston Collaborative for Body Image and Eating Disorders, she has served on the professional advisory board of the Massachusetts Eating Disorder Association and has taught seminars for Simmons College School of Social Work, Boston University School of Social Work, Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology, the National Association of Social Work, the Massachusetts Dietetic Association, and the National Organization for Women. A graduate of Simmons College School of Social Work, Ms. Koenig practices in Sarasota, FL.

Contact hours will be awarded for up to one (1) year from the date the course is ordered.

You must score 75% or higher on the final exam and complete the course evaluation to pass this course and receive a certificate of completion.

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All persons involved in the planning and development of this course have disclosed no relevant financial relationships or other conflicts of interest related to the course content.